Top 10: Ways to Improve Your Week in London – 13/02/17By Angelica Malin

Looking to improve your week in London? From massages to body scans, facials to deep-breathing classes, we’ve got a few ideas up our sleeve to give you the best week possible. Do something for you, this week:

1. For Relaxation: Acupuncture by Dr Michael Curtin

What: Dr Michael Curtin Acupuncture at 10 Harley Street (60 minutes)

The Lowdown: Are you seeking alternative therapy for your health problems? This might be the answer. Dr Curtin is a fully qualified medical doctor, after 28 years working as a GP, Michael decided to pursue one of his main interests – alternative therapies and acupuncture. Acupuncture is simple and painless; it involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body, placed at various depths. It’s relaxing, calming and will certainly give you one of the best night’s sleep of your life. What’s more, this treatment can be very effective in controlling pain, both alongside or instead of traditional medicine.

Why: There’s no-one finer in London, we say. Michael spent a considerable amount of time studying acupuncture in Japan, sitting in with acupuncturists and observing their technique. The treatment can be amazing for a wide range of health conditions including migraines, tension headaches, pelvic pain, hot flushes and fertility.

Price: Between £65 and £95 depending on the treatment. Book here. For more information, email  michael@drmichaelcurtin.com.

Where: Dr Curtin holds acupuncture clinics in Hitchin, Harpenden, Bedford and a newly launched clinic at number 10 Harley Street.

2. For a Health MOT: EIS Body Scan

What: EIS Body Scan by Gold Collagen (60-90 minutes)

The Lowdown: Looking to discover more about your health? The EIS Body Scan by Gold Collagen is the answer. It’s an innovative, new technology that shows amazing things about your overall health. You will be connected to the EIS system using 6 electrodes – two plates for your hands, two plates for your feet and two electrodes for your forehead. Minute electrode currents, which are completely safe, are passed backwards and forwards from one plate to another enabling the EIS to scan your body. The computer then uses statistical and mathematical algorithms to display the results, from your hormone health, to mineral and vitamin levels, organ health and gut flora imbalances.

Why: The EIS has been a great way to understand the behaviour of the human body. The Gold Collagen’s Research & Development team have been using it to assist their product development, but have found that people are really interested in finding out more about whether they are eating the right or wrong things for their body. You’ll see things such as a 3D model of organs, glands and body segments, type and level of imbalance in body systems, oxidative stress risk, mental health status, hormonal values and body composition. It’s really like a full health MOT, and takes just 3 minutes.

Price: 60-90 minutes is £150. This fee includes everything from consultation, health check, scan, same day reports and a bespoke diet plan if needed. Follow up fee is £90.00 (60-90 minutes). Two reports are compared, before and after changes are noted. Appointments can be booked by calling 0203 818 9440 or see here.

Where: Minerva Research Labs, 1-6 Yarmouth Pl, Mayfair, London W1J 7BU

3. For a Firming Facial: LipoTherapeia at The Hale Clinic

What: Meso-CRF Facial by LipoTherapeia (60 minutes)

Price: £145 per session – call 0207 118 2014 for free expert advice and book here.

Where: The Hale Clinic, 7 Park Cres, Marylebone, London W1B 1PF

4. For a Spa Package: Beauty and Melody Spa at the M by Montcalm

What: 5 Steps to Heaven Package (2.5 hours)

The Lowdown: Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? We’ve got you covered. The newly launched spa located at the 4* M by Montcalm Hotel, Shoreditch is the ultimate urban escape. With every detail designed for total relaxation, their treatments are fantastic, with highly trained therapists and beautiful natural products to pamper you. What’s more, there’s a spacious gym and aerobics room with state-of-the-art equipment as well as a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Why: For something special, their Valentine’s Day Five Steps to Heaven package involves five deep treatments specially designed for a sensual, delicious experience. From a full-body peppermint exfoliation to anti-ageing collagen facial, this package is everything you need to feel blissed out in the capital. With everything from exceptional facials to soothing massage, the new Beauty & Melody Spa at the M by Montcalm Hotel is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Price: To book email spa.shoreditch@beautyandmelody.co.uk or call 0203 837 3010.

Where: M by Montcalm, 151-157 City Rd, London EC1V 1JH

5. For Life-Changing Body Work: London Rolfing

What: London Rolfing with founder Naomi Wynter-Vincent (90 minutes)

The Lowdown: Not like anything you’ve tried before, Rolfing is type of physical therapy and movement education based on the work of Dr Ida Rolf. Rolfing gets to the heart of your physical ailments, whether that’s back pain, poor posture, restless sleep or aching muscles, as the therapy is focused on posture, connective tissues and with the effects of gravity on the body. For more information on Rolfing and to find a certified Rolfer near you, see more on their website here.

Why: Rolfing will, quite literally, change the way you feel and understand your own body. Trust me. The therapy is particularly focused on how we stand, walk and sit everyday, and looks at your physical movement patterns. By looking at connective tissue, the effects of gravity and posture, the technique looks to transform your everyday experiences. Rolfing is a whole-body treatment that takes place over ten sessions, working on issues such as breathing, pelvic floor support and length and lift in mid-section. You’ll feel lighter, slimmer, sleep better and walk taller, I cannot recommend it enough.

Price: The cost is £80 for a 90-minute session. To book your first session or to ask a question, email here or call on 07478 271235. You can also book online here.

Where: Lumen URC, 88 Tavistock Place WC1H 9RS.

6. For Deep Breathing: Inner Axis at Triyoga

What: Inner Axis at Triyoga (60 minutes)

The Lowdown: If you need a touch of relaxation in your week, and find your brain can’t switch off, then this class is for you. Inner Axis, developed by Max Strom, incorporates breath-based yoga movement and mindfulness – and every class offers different levels for all. As a result of its success across the world, Inner Axis is now being adopted by companies as a long-term wellness program. We love.

Why: The interdisciplinary system of Inner Axis deals directly with sleeplessness, stress, and anxiety and produces a level of fitness that makes you feel better, sleep better, and therefore function at a higher level in your relationships and your life-work. The class is all about deep breathing whilst moving through gentle yoga poses, and helps you deal directly with stress and anxiety. You’ll leave feeling focused, calm and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you.

Price: £18 drop-in. See the schedule and book here.

Where: Locations in Soho, Camden and Chelsea. See here.

7. For a Deep Clean: Go Fantastic

What: Go Fantastic App (download here)

The Lowdown: Go Fantastic is the leading on demand app for domestic services. The app lets pick from a range of household services, see availability and price instantly, and book within minutes, making it the one stop shop for all domestic needs.

Why: One the of options you can pick is a winter warmer package which includes an extensive one off clean, so hoovering, floor cleaning, dusting, polishing and a variety of other cleaning chores, promising to leave your home squeaky clean. There are other extensive services including decluttering, ironing, handymen, removals and pet care, so you can free up your weekend for more fun things!

Price: Depends on service. Use promo code OBF10 on checkout to get 10% off your booking. Book here or download app here.

8. For Nutritional Therapy: Bioresonance at Hampstead Health Practice

What: Asyra Bioresonance Full Health Screening (60 minutes)

The Lowdown: Bioresonance screening is a non-invasive simple screening, which provides instant results on your health and wellbeing. The treatment is simple – hold on to two non evasive cylinders and relax for a couple of minutes while the Asyra scans your body for weaknesses. Performed by Angie Michael, a wonderful practitioner in Natural Nutrition for over 16 years, the Bioresonance screening checks for many health ailments and unbalances. You’ll be tested for food intolerance screening, excess candida, digestive issues, vitamin and mineral deficiency, hormones, parasites and many more.

Why: Alongside a nutritional consultation, this is a fantastic way to get the most out of your health, discovering what foods you should be eating and any supplements you need. A nutritional consultation will involve taking a detailed case history, to determine which nutritional program is most suited to you. The therapist will be on hand to give you advice throughout the course of your program, offering encouragement and information. It’s an investment in yourself, and one that really works.

Price: Prices from £167. For more information, call 020 7284 4477 or email info@hampsteadhealthpractice.com. To book, see here.

Where: RFH Recreation Club, Fleet Road, NW3 2QG

Photo by decor8

9. For Food Intolerances: The YorkTest

What: IBS Diet Programme Test (see here)

The Lowdown: If you’re looking for a great health solution, this is the one for you. YorkTest Laboratories have over 30 years experience of laboratory diagnostic testing and are Europe’s leading provider of food and drink specific IgG antibody testing programmes. Suffering from digestive distress? The IBS Diet Programme analyses your reactions to 158 foods and drinks, providing you with a personalised Low FODMAP plan and nutritional support to help you replace your trigger foods and optimise your diet.

Why: This is the best test on the market for your tummy issues. What’s more, there’s a Money Back Promise –  if no reactions are identified YorkTest will refund you £304. The expert testing of IgG antibody reactions to 158 foods and drinks, with a simple finger prick blood test taken in the comfort of your own home. You’ll get a personalised list of low FODMAP foods tailored to you, a 30 minute telephone consultation with one of their BANT registered Nutritional Therapists, a comprehensive guidebook and 12 week food and drink diary. Sorted.

Price: £319. Buy here.

10. For Healthy Eating: Bodychef

What: Bodychef Meal Delivery

The Lowdown: Bodychef is basically your new saviour. If you’ve never heard of Bodychef before, it’s a fresh-food diet plan delivered straight to your door anywhere in mainland Britain. You can choose if you want to lose weight, maintain a healthy diet or give your eating habits an overhaul. They tailor to your package to you – whether you’re veggie, a meat fiend or just love the plant powered goodness. It’s dead easy, as there’s a sheet with all the meals for a week. No fuss, no frills and it’s certainly better, and healthier than that supermarket carbonara. 

Why: Do you ever find yourself stuck in a bit of a fitness and healthy eating rut? Where people tell you that ‘abs are made in the kitchen’. Yeah, that. It’s annoying, and us time strapped Londoners sometimes have to settle for a microwavable meal because time simply doesn’t allow for us to prep our meals for the whole entire week. Let alone have space in the freezer to store all of the tupperware. Well, you need Bodychef.

Price: From £15.98.

Where: Online here